Dog Mascots in War, and poodle history

[Die Fledermaus]

So, I was watching the movie "Cromwell" with Richard Harris about the English Civil War. The king's cavalry commander, Prince Rupert, had a mascot white poodle, named "Boye", whom he was greatly attached to,

This article, from poodlehistory.org, details the story of Boye and many other mascots in armies. There are also links there about navy dogs and poodles in WW II. Great reading, and fascinating stories!

www.poodlehistory.org/PARMY.HTM

This entire site is interesting: www.poodlehistory.org/


One error in "Cromwell". Boye was shown at Naseby, the climatic battle of the war, in 1645, but by then he in reality was deceased.


As a side note about dogs in war, one of the more significant generals in the American Revolution in Washington's army was Charles Lee:

>> Unlike his colleagues, Lee flouted convention with his unkempt appearance and his coarse demeanor, although he was known to quote from Latin scholars when the occasion suited him. Known for his bouts of drunkenness and vulgar language, Lee was rarely seen without his train of dogs. He said dogs, unlike men, were faithful. <<

LINK

The last statement is ironic as he eventually was NOT considered faithful to the Patriot cause. People also seemed to prefer his dogs' company as they "smelled better". ;D

[Hamsters82]

Interesting as I never thought a Poodle would be in a battle. I always figured it'd be German Shepherds or other dogs like them. There's a book we have that's about two war dogs, I forget the one dog's name, but the other is Chips.